4.30.2010

Dolls, I find it just as tempting as the rest of you to simply cast my watch out the window the moment school lets out for summer break. After all, who wants a constant reminder of the seconds ticking away, counting down the days until we will once again find ourselves prisoners of those loathsome hallowed halls, when we are supposed to be relaxing and enjoying our freedom from homework and responsibility? Not I! Nevertheless, a tantalizing timepiece in the form of mechanical watches will forever be a complete necessity for the glamorous girl on the go. And now one (1) of you will be taking your very own home!

That’s right, my loves; Café Fashionista has, once again, teamed up with Orient Watch USA to bring one (1) of you glamazons an ambrosial new accessory that will make your heart skip a beat. I’m smitten with the Orient CFT00004B myself; but today it’s the beauty to your left that you should be feasting your eyes on – for he will be on his way to one (1) of you in just two weeks time!

To Enter the Hickory Dickory Dock Automatic Watch Giveaway:

♥Visit Orient Watch and choose your favorite piece.

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Friday, May 14, 2010 at midnight PST stating which Orient Watch is your favorite and why.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post stating which Orient Watch is your favorite and why between now and Friday, May 14, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect/Twitter, and leave a comment on this post stating which Orient Watch is your favorite and why between now and Friday, May 14, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Saturday, May 15, 2010.

Ever wonder what Cafe Fashionista's go-to outfit is? Curious to know whether Cafe Fashionista is addicted to bags, shoes, or a bit of both? Itching to learn what the number one item on Cafe Fashionista's wish list currently is? The wonderfully artistic and far too fabulous for words Sara B. Bentley recently "sat down" to discuss all things style with yours truly. To get the 411 on Cafe Fashionista check out Sara's post Let's talk with...Erika Sorocco.

4.29.2010

Darlings, while it may not be etched in stone, it is an unwritten rule of sorts that every girl is entitled to feel like a goddess. She may not find herself stretched out languorously along a gilded chaise longue being fed grapes one by one by cute boys whom cater to her every desire; nor may she be the wearer of a Roman Head Wreath woven of freshly-grown foliage a la Cleopatra, but there is no question about it…goddess is as goddess does. And you, my loves, are all goddesses…just ask Alexander Wang. Or rather, merely feast your eyes upon his ‘Goddess’ Jersey Dress.

Many may try and fail to create an aesthetic which embodies the true beauty of a goddess – from elegant draping to ravishing ruching, and rich hues to clever cuts – but Alexander Wang, as I’m sure you were all aware, succeeds in every manner of the word; bringing a fabulous frock to the forefront which highlights Grecian inspirations of yesteryear juxtaposed with modern midtown decadence – a coupling that is both cosmopolitan and urbane in the very same breath.

The epitome of asymmetric allure; the ‘Goddess’ Jersey Dress is festooned with folds of plum-colored smooth knit that swoop, droop, drape, and flutter in a fashion that follows the movements of your body so that one never knows what shape will be haphazardly created courtesy of your very next step; a charismatic characteristic that forever keeps your many adoring admirers guessing.

But I digress; while undoubtedly fabulous in terms of design, the asking price of $590.00 truly leaves much to be desired – even if you do have the bank account of the Hilton Sisters. Luckily, Victoria has a little Secret she’d like to share with all of us via the One-Shoulder Dress.

Yes kittens, you’ve presumed correctly…the One-Shoulder Dress from Victoria’s Secret lacks the plum hue of its runway-ready predecessor; but at $98.00 apiece, you can scoop it up in both colors – jazzberry and black – and still have enough left over for a stunning pair of strappy sandals!

What’s the verdict, lovelies…will you be thrifty or spend, spend, spend?

4.28.2010

♥…put on your Juicy Couture Felicity Floral One Piece and have a water balloon fight? Don’t forget, kitty cats, your prime target is the cute boy next door!

♥…bid adieu to the kitchen table and retreat back to your private chambers for breakfast in bed? Simple cereal is so much more scrummy when it’s devoured under piles of cozy covers!

♥…accouter yourself in BB Dakota’s Hadley Romper and let yourself go wild in a toy store? Make funny faces at the flaxen-haired dolls; cuddle with adorable stuffed animals; ride bikes through the aisles. Today you are not just a kid at heart, darlings; you’re a kid in spirit and action, as well!

♥…enlist the assistance of a cute boy to give you piggyback rides anywhere and everywhere?

♥… make like Alice in Wonderland and fall down the rabbit hole? Figuratively speaking, that is. Slip into Haute Hippie’s frilly Ruffle Long Dress, entwine freshly-picked flowers through your luxurious locks, and spend the afternoon racing barefoot through hedge mazes and gardens!

4.27.2010

Kitty cats it is not everyday that one falls in love with a handbag in such a way that they contemplate dipping into their life savings and tossing it directly in the face of the shopkeeper in order to claim perfection as their very own; nevertheless, it is an occurrence that does happen every once in awhile during the course of an individual’s lifetime, leading the consumer in question to cast all cares to the wayside and splurge, splurge, splurge!

In past times, such an honor fell upon Balenciaga’s Giant City and Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Stam Satchel; now, the object being swooned over has fallen upon the shoulders of the bewitching Large Leather PS1 from Proenza Schouler.

Darlings if there is any doubt in your mind regarding the necessity of a wondrously weatherbeaten messenger bag slash satchel to one’s wardrobe please shut it out immediately! The truth of the matter, I’ll have you know, is that a cross body bag is an item which no supposed fashionista should be without. It retains the ability to allow for free hands during spur of the moment shopping sprees; whilst adding a splash of casual finesse to the haut monde ensemble we both know you are currently accoutered in. All of which can be observed with one half-second glance in the direction of the Large Leather PS1.

Half inspired by the uniform-wearing Prep School students nonchalantly strolling along Park Avenue, ties undone and hair mesmerizingly mussed; half influenced by the saddle bags carried by experienced equestrians, the Large Leather PS1 combines two worlds into one charming carryall, allowing the user to look unfussy yet fabulous. If only the pricetag were as magnificent as the alluring aesthetic.

Obviously there is no doubt that Proenza Schouler’s pretty is jaw-droppingly beautiful; but at $1,995.00, it is also fairly unattainable for the frugal fashionista. ASOS’ Leather Twist Lock Satchel, on the other hand, is more wallet-friendly.

While slightly darker in color than its more expensive pal; for $109.91, the ASOS piece is a classy compromise with the power to breathe a little elegance into any girl’s handbag collection!

Tell me, kittens…will you be a big spender and go for Proenza Schouler, or be thrifty and spring for ASOS?

4.25.2010

“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.”Jeremy Irons

What if…you had access to a machine that allowed you to go backwards or forwards in time?

The clock would instantly turn back to August 15, 1969 for me; the day that Sweetwater took center stage in Bethel, New York, kicking off the three-day event that will forever be remembered as the Woodstock Festival. Atop my flowing, bedraggled locks would sit Bop Basics’ Raffia Braid Sunhat, keeping my tresses under control as I tilt my face towards the sky, soaking up the sunlight and sounds of Janis Joplin with The Kozmic Blues Band. Gone would be the dark wash skinny jeans so commonplace in today’s society, instead my lower half would be accoutered in GOLDSIGN’s Desire Relaxed Flare Jeans as I sway my hips to the hypnotic rhythm of Santana. My Of Two Minds Gauze Long Sleeve Top would ethereally billow out around my petite frame as The Who launch into Tommy; while knotted around my wrist, visible as I toss my arms in the air to lose myself to the strains of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar, sits Shashi’s minute Petit Golden Nugget Adjustable Bracelet. As the stars twinkle in the inky midnight sky, fellow revelers lie back upon Navajo-printed blankets littering the well-trodden grass; bringing another day of music to a close, and dreaming of what the next will hold.

Where would your time machine take you, my loves? Would you choose to relive history, or go back to the future to experience something brand new? Would you wear modern clothes, pieces from the past, or something never before seen? Don’t be shy, kitty cats…dish!

4.24.2010

Dolls it is common knowledge that many of us, if not all, were raised upon a steady stream of fairytales. We were barraged with Once Upon A Times before we could even talk; force-fed Happily Ever Afters the moment we started toddling about the house garbed only in bulky diapers; and by the time we were old enough to play dress-up we had already been completely overwhelmed with the notion of being swept away by a Handsome Prince trotting along on a winter white Stallion.

It was not until adolescence, when we began navigating the playing field for ourselves, that we were coerced into coming to the realization that, like the perfect pair of shoes, the Handsome Prince was not so easily attainable. Nevertheless, for the fashion-forward fair maiden, giving up is not an option!

Like the princess on a quest for a paradisiacal pair of pumps, who must spend hours upon hours searching for sublimity; the damsel in distress must succumb to kissing loads of frogs before she is finally swept off her feet by Prince Charming. It is a commonality which goes to show that shopping for shoes and love is a daunting duo which works hand in hand with one another. Therefore, to accomplish full satisfaction in both departments, you must first fulfill the requirements for one, and the other will fall fashionably into place.

Darlings you’ve already unearthed a promising boy; now it’s time to find a favorable form of footwear to take your impending date from blasé to blissful, and ensure a second!

♥Destiny Wears Combat Boots Kitty cats, before you undertake the task of shopping for a shoe that wows your Boy Wonder, it is of the utmost importance that you at least learn what activity your date will entail so as to ensure that you select a pair that is par for the course.

Now, unlike we of the fairer, genteel gender, who contemplate and plan for weeks upon weeks before an expected event; boys fly by the seat of their pants. Many are indecisive to an almost obnoxious point, waiting until the day-of to determine how they will be wining and dining you. For this reason alone, nailing down your plans may be synonymous with prying teeth; but for the sake of your sanity and fashionable finesse, do find out ahead of time. After all, you most certainly do not want to find yourself the wearer of stilettos when you should have been styled in combat boots!

♥It’s All About Me Sue Grafton once said, If high heels were so wonderful, men would be wearing them. Nothing could be more true. Men are quite capable of admitting that they adore the way one’s hips sway and swivel when they’re accoutered in high heels; yet many, if not all, are unaware of the skill, and strength such shoes require of the wearer – not to mention the pain that we endure after long hours of having our tantalizing tootsies stuffed into such a style! Thus, only wear high heels if it’s what YOU want to do.

While shoes have the ability to create confidence, they are not the sole telltale factor in whether or not you will be overwhelmed by such a feeling. Confidence radiates from within, only being boosted ever so slightly by the inclusion of heels. Remember, my loves, there may be two of you on this particular date, but when selecting your shoe du jour, it’s all about you!

♥A Compromise for Comfort Let’s be honest here kittens, Alice in Wonderland pulled off her tumble down the rabbit hole with complete adorableness; and though we may say that, should we trip and fall, or merely stumble, in front of a cute boy, we have enough courage to shake it off and be on our merry way…once it actually happens to us, however, that fearlessness goes straight out the window!

Don’t deny it, first dates are nerve-wracking events. Though we may be loathe to admit it to ourselves or anyone else, we are plagued with jitters that leave us unsteady in our minds and on our feet; therefore, it is essential to take such notions into consideration to achieve complete success.

You may feel blissfully comfortable strutting around in your Rock & Republic Alayna Chain Pumps when shopping with the girls, but when out with a potential mate, an individual whom you are trying to make a lasting impression upon, you may find yourself tripping up, and overcome with embarrassment. Compromise your typical style by allocating the use of wedges or chunky heels in place of stilettos (designs that will not make you forsake height!) to guarantee both peace of mind, and complete comfort!

♥Walk the Talk First dates are a prime time for individuals to rest on their laurels, and rely upon small talk, or menial observances to break the ice between both parties; thus, accomplish two things at once by selecting a style that doubles as a conversation starter.

Darlings, it’s a known fact that boys are oblivious to a handful of things – specifically the not-so-subtle hints we drop for them quite frequently much to no avail; but trust me when I say that even the most bewildered of boys is incapable of not noticing the influx of fringe adorning Joie’s Rock Steady Fringe Suede Booties, or the slightly ostentatious crystals speckling Ash’s Cult Studded Motorcycle Boots.

Just think of it this way, lovers…the boy may not stick around, but your fabulous choice of footwear chosen specifically for the occasion will forever stick by your side – or, rather, on your feet! Like Carrie Bradshaw once said, The fact is, sometimes it’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes. That’s why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.

♥Note: I originally wrote this post for one of my favorite blogs, The Embellished Life, on March 22, 2010; but I loved writing it so much, that I thought I would share it with all of you here, just in case you missed it!

4.23.2010

Darlings, despite my complete and utter adoration for flirty frocks, I have always felt that a simple skirt is far more versatile and essential to a girl’s wardrobe than a dress. Unlike the glamorous gowns that so many of us have lurking in our closets; the saucy skirt is far more multifaceted in its aesthetic, given the fact that it can change from casual to chic with the simple switch of a blouse. It is this delightful diversity alone that has forever made me adore skirts – especially those in a pristine white hue. Now one (1) of you beautiful bunnies has the chance to take one of your very own home.

No beating around the bush required; all you need is the specifics, and that, my loves, is the fact that…Café Fashionista has teamed up with TheWhiteDressShop.com to bring one (1) of you fabulous femme fatales the Rachel Pally Triangle Pocket Skirt. A stunning number that meets the two prerequisites of sassy summer style: pockets flanking each side for an easy place to stick the phone numbers of cute boys you meet on the boardwalk, and a light and airy hue that will make your golden tan glow even brighter than you ever could have imagined.

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, April 29, 2010 at midnight PST stating that you follow TheWhiteDressShop.com via RSS or Blogger and on Twitter @whitedressshop.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post stating that you follow TheWhiteDressShop.com via RSS or Blogger and on Twitter @whitedressshop between now and Thursday, April 29, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect, and leave a comment on this post stating that you follow TheWhiteDressShop.com via RSS or Blogger and on Twitter @whitedressshop between now and Thursday, March 18, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

Please leave individual comments for each entry.

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Friday, April 30, 2010.

Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents! Winner will be able to choose their skirt size.

4.22.2010

There is nothing more subtly seductive than showing a little shoulder; to allow your skin to play a coquettish game of peek-a-boo with the world, tossing out a wink to your many admirers with each wiggle of your upper arm. It is not something, mind you, that can be achieved with a simple tank, halter, or tube top. Though all of the above show off your skin, they are too commonplace to truly turn heads in a way synonymous with that of the sudden appearance of an Oscar-winning starlet in your local supermarket. For such a show stopping look one must turn instead to a one-shoulder creation; and the one-shoulder stunner I have set my sights on is…Alexander Wang’s Satin Jersey One-Shoulder Dress.

Kitty cats, the goddesses of yesteryear had it right when they draped themselves in sophisticated, floor-sweeping gowns that covered just one shoulder, and allowed the other to shimmer tauntingly amidst the harsh glow of the flickering candlelight. Such a style is something that allows the wearer to show off their femininity; whilst retaining complete majestic modesty. The Satin Jersey One-Shoulder Dress is no different.

Though the hemline is quite a bit shorter than the ones seen in years past, it creates the perfect cutting-edge aesthetic for the tres chic Twenty-First Century girl who craves the ability to be coy in terms of clothing, yet flirty at the very same moment; while the all-over draping detail that adorns the black satin jersey material adds volume to the style without forcing the wearer to forsake resilience. It is a saucy new take on the well-known little black dress. Sadly, at $595.00, it is also well out of the budget of the modern-day working girl. Luckily, ASOS has come to the rescue.

Though more bodycon than the Wang wonder; ASOS’ Twisted Slinky One Shoulder Dress, for just $64.25, is every bit as daring as its higher-priced counterpart, with the added bonus of being available in a total of seven different colors – black, purple, mink, lime, white, flawless pink, and navy – giving you the chance to buy a different shade for every single day of the week!

4.21.2010

♥…tempt fate? Catch the eye of a cute boy at the bus stop; linger a little too long in front of your crush’s humble abode; toss a well-timed wink in the direction of the handsome barista at the local coffee shop. What’s the worst that could happen, dolls? You could fall in love, that’s what!

♥…buy a pretty swimsuit specifically for wearing around the house? Really now, taking the time to get dressed in the morning is so overrated!

♥…slick a shimmering gloss upon your lips and spend the day in complete silence? What was it that Margaret Lee Runbeck said…“Silences make the real conversations between friends. Not the saying but the never needing to say is what counts.”

4.20.2010

Darlings it was not so long ago that I divulged the fact that I associated summer with sky-high wedge sandals; but there was one thing I failed to mention in addition to this summation, and that, my loves, is the sheer fact that it is not just wedge sandals in general which are so perfectly representative of the sultry summer months – rather, it is those crafted by the imagination of…Chloe.

As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, wedge sandals are a quintessential addition to a glamorous gal’s shoe collection. They embody sophistication and style; whilst retaining the effortless bohemian elegance that takes one’s wardrobe back to basics, allowing the individual in question to effuse a carefree chicness – quite in tune with not only the Chloe ad campaign shedding light upon wild-haired beauties romping through overgrown fields of golden foliage, but the simplicity of the oh-so covetable Chloe T-Strap Wedge.

Equal parts modernistic and vintage, the T-Strap Wedge steals inspiration from a multitude of eras, beginning with the T-Strap, so reminiscent of 1920s flappers dancing the Charleston in fringe-encrusted frocks; moving along to the cork wedge seen upon the tootsies of bellbottom-donning boho belles as they swayed to and fro to the music heard at Woodstock, their long locks floating in the breeze; and ending with the nude hue seen upon the Spring and Summer runways. It is a collection of elements which make the T-Strap Wedge, in the words of the magical Mary Poppins, “practically perfect in every way.” If only the price tag were as perfect as the aesthetic.

Kitty cats, I am well aware of the fact that the T-Strap Wedge is a source of swooning. A fabulous form of footwear capable of hypnotizing the eye of the beholder; but at $595.00 a pair, the sassy sandal is quite a bit out of the budget of the frugal fashionista. Rosegold’s Cara Wedge, on the other hand, is a bit more accessible for one’s allowance and attire.

No, they are not dirt cheap by any means, but at $168.00, the classy Cara allows for you to indulge in Chloe style without the chichi prices that typically accompany such a look. And nothing is more irresistible than that!

Is today the day for you to please the big spender within; or will you play it cool and be thrifty?

4.18.2010

There would be no yellow brick road in my kingdom; the streets would be paved in pink glitter that would sparkle under the suns rays. Currency would not consist of dollars or cents, but rather rainbow-swirled lollipops of varying sizes. Pristine white ponies with curling pink ribbons in their manes would trot unbridled through the streets. Stacks of fairytales would sit beneath each oversized cherry blossom tree, awaiting the arrival of a reader looking to lose themselves in another world. Wink’s Andrea Dress would be my uniform of choice. Come nightfall, everyone within the kingdom would fall asleep under ribbon-trimmed canopies, amidst whispers and the subtle twinkle of fireflies lighting up the night sky.

What would your kingdom be like, kitty cats? How would it look? What types of creatures would one find there? What would your daily attire be? I promise I won’t tell a soul!

4.17.2010

♥Pretty, Pretty Princess It was ages ago that I came to the realization that I was leading an incorrect existence. I was not meant to go through the motions of a normal, everyday, regular human being; rather, I was destined to be a royal. The ruler of some far-off country where everyone wears dreamy dresses and eats cotton candy for dinner. Once that conclusion was happened upon, I knew it was only a matter of time before my parents, the King and Queen, would rescue me from my boring, mundane lifestyle. Sadly, years have passed, and they have yet to arrive; therefore, I believe the time has come to take matters into my own hands. My first order of business? Scooping up a Chiefs of Enchantment headpiece.

Part Roman Empire influenced laurel wreath, part Pretty, Pretty Princess tiara, the Chiefs of Enchantment head accessories are a fantastical way to add a little imagination and whimsy to your everyday wardrobe. Proffering charming titles, and elegant aesthetics; it’s truly impossible not to fall under their bewitching spell. The Mia, The Raven, The Sharfeathered, The Lan, and, my personal favorite The Erika (it’s fate, don’t you think?). Which Chiefs of Enchantment beauty is your favorite?

♥Sock It to Me Darlings, don’t you ever find yourself feeling sorry for them? Please don’t play games with me now; you know precisely what I’m talking about…missing socks! They keep our tootsies tantalizingly cozy in the winter months, then we are ungracious enough to allow them to lose their snuggly sidekick during trips to the Laundromat wherein we arrive with two socks in tow, only to return home with one, finding ourselves left to wonder not only where the other has gone off and disappeared to; but what we are to do with the lone one left behind in our possession. Not anymore however! At least not with Inklore’s Missing Sock Bucket harboring a little hidey hole in our homes.

No longer are we to feel sorrowful for our newly-single socks, for the Missing Sock Bucket provides them with shelter until they are reunited with their long-lost partner in crime. It’s an adorable way to keep track of our missing treasures while saving us money at the very same time. After all, constantly having to buy socks can become quite the expense after a period of time! Ready to admit your singletons to the Home for Missing Socks, kittens?

♥Happy, Happy Unbirthday Party! Cupcakes and fairytales and tea parties and surprises; kitty cats you all know me well enough to realize that yes, these are a few of my absolute favorite things! The very pieces in life that put a spring in my step, a smile upon my mark Sweet Talk slathered lips, and a hole in my pocket (or rather, haute handbag) for having spent so much money on all of the above. Nevertheless, there is no ending in sight, for I refuse to deprive myself of the finer things in life; instead choosing to indulge in the miscellany that make me the happiest, and one of the items in question is…Laurel Avenue Bakery’s Tea Party Curio Box!

Inspired by my beloved Alice in Wonderland, the Tea Party Curio Box comes chockfull of all of the bits, pieces, odds, and ends required to throw a scrummy tête-à-tête by yourself or with a gaggle of your fabulously accoutered girlfriends! Packaged in a petite box with the words “We’re All A Little Mad Here” scrawled on the outside, and garnished with a blue ribbon just like the one dressing up Alice’s flaxen locks; the Tea Party Curio Box is loaded with pretty Petit Fours, Cheshire Cat Macarons, Unbirthday Cupcakes, “Taste Me” Cookies, Candied Pistachios, and Curiously Sweet Mushrooms. The only thing missing is the Mad Hatter himself, of course! Who wants to come to my Unbirthday Party, dolls?

4.16.2010

Darlings, at the age of twelve, I fell in love. While, sadly, it wasn’t with a cute boy capable of making amazing mix tapes and willing to give me piggyback rides whenever I craved one, it was the next best thing…Meg Cabot. Over the years I have come to think of her fictional characters as close, personal best friends, whose crazy stories have oftentimes mirrored the goings-on in my very own life. Now, with the release of her new book Runaway, I could not be more heartbroken to see the final installment in the Airhead series for it means that Em Watts/Nikki Howard will no longer be a part of my existence; I am thrilled, however, that the book release will give one (1) of you beautiful bookworms the chance to win not only the complete Airhead Trilogy (Airhead, Being Nikki, and Runaway), but a $50 Gift Certificate to Urban Outfitters, as well!

You’ve surmised correctly, kitty cats! Café Fashionista has teamed up with Big Honcho Media to give one (1) of you ravishing readers the chance to runaway with Meg Cabot, and her band of wild, crazy, and fabulous characters.

To Enter the Runaway with Meg Cabot and Urban Outfitters Giveaway:

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Friday, April 30, 2010 at midnight PST.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post between now and Friday, April 30, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect/Twitter, and leave a comment on this post between now and Friday, April 30, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Saturday, May 1, 2010.

Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. residents!

In the meantime...you are all invited to a Twitter Party!

Join Runaway author Meg Cabot and Thea and Ana of The Book Smugglers for a Twitter party Thursday, April 22, between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. EST!

4.15.2010

Kitty cats, obviously it should come as no surprise that lace will forever be synonymous with ladylike musings; leather will always invoke thoughts of rebellious behaviors; silk and satins will be viewed as shimmering seductresses; and tulle, with its constant appearance in the world of ballet, will eternally make one want to get jiggy with it upon sight. But we are forgetting one texture that far too often is overlooked, yet is utterly essential in some shape or form within the fashionista’s closet; and that, dolls, is mesh.

While certainly not allocated in the design world as much as it could be, the minute open spaces found upon the net-inspired material is a playful way to coquettishly show off a little skin without being overtly flamboyant; making it the perfect solution to adding a bit of cheekiness to your cosmopolitan air. And truly, I imagine there is no better way to work it in to one’s wardrobe than via Dolce & Gabbana’s Mesh Overlay Dress.

Ever so slightly reminiscent of the black and white stripes covering the bodies of graceful zebras, the Mesh Overlay Dress combines two decadent textures into one blissful design by covering a solid black corset dress displaying a sweetheart neckline with an overlay of mesh, which serves as a backdrop to thick stripes that create an effect not unlike that of the sun’s rays, making the wearer radiate beauty from the moment she enters the room, until the very second she departs.

Let’s be truthful darlings, shall we? As members of the fairer, genteel gender, we are already aware of the fact that pieces with such capabilities do not come into one’s life on a daily basis. When you unearth a design which harbors the ability to create such wonderment and buzz around your person there is one thing, and one thing only to do…buy! And that is precisely what I would be doing if the $645.00 price tag and my on-the-verge-of-exceeding-the-credit-limit of my AmEx weren’t standing in the way. Luckily, there’s Nasty Gal.

So it lacks the exposed zipper and slit adorning the back of the Dolce & Gabbana gem; but for $78.00, Nasty Gal’s Showgirl Bustier Dress is a chic compromise that won’t leave you broke. In fact, you may just be able to snatch up a pair of feisty footwear to go with your new frock!

Now the question remains…will you be thrifty, or suckered into putting on your spendthrift cap?

4.14.2010

♥…style yourself in Alice + Olivia’s flowing Gina Bustier Goddess Dress and cannonball into a swimming pool? Float atop the surface of the water, allowing your fabulous frock to spread out around you in an ethereal fashion.

♥…pitch a tent and go camping in your very own backyard? Get cozy in Juicy Couture’s Terry Wide Leg Jumpsuit, eat gooey s’mores until you feel as if you’re going to burst, and spend the evening making shadow puppets by the dim glow of a flashlight!

♥…place a handbell beside your bed and ring it whenever you find yourself craving a sweet? Chances are someone will grow tired of the incessant ringing and bring you anything your heart desires.

♥…put on your KORS Michael Kors Violet Wedge Sandals and dance everywhere you go? Shimmy through the supermarket; box step at the bowling alley; moonwalk along the corridors of a museum. Dance to the beat of your own drum, darlings!

♥…set your iPod to shuffle, step out of your 7 For All Mankind Jane Espadrille Wedges, and hula hoop in the bright sunshine?

4.13.2010

Darlings, there are very few fashions that excite me to a point where I find myself counting down the days until the weather is just right for accoutering myself in them. Especially when the style in question makes me long for sultry weather that simply screams for barely-there shorts, and easy breezy tanks which flutter around your form in a fashion synonymous to that of a newly hatched butterfly emerging from it’s cocoon, and spreading its wings for the very first time. Yet the romper falls into this very category.

While sporting a cut that I have not found myself donning since my days of frolicking within the confines of a playground sandbox; the romper has become the object of my affection. The singular style that makes my heart skip a beat, and leaves me wishing night and day for the fast arrival of summer just so that I can wear them; despite the fact that I am a girl who typically adores the cool breezes which so often accompany the arrival of fall. But not all rompers fit the bill. The piece in question must be constructed of the playful, pastel shades one associates with the cool creativity of the warmer months, coupled with a sophisticated aesthetic. Becca’s ‘Kaleidoscope’ Strapless Terry Romper fulfills both of these prerequisites to a T.

Frisky in its design, the blouson bodice shaped by the drawstring waist creates a svelte silhouette; while the scalloped embellishment trimming the strapless terry romper adds a whimsical effect to the style, which is only made stronger by its eye-catching, confetti color – a sure sign that the wearer is destined to encounter all sorts of celebratory good times when wearing such a garment, whether experienced via a beachside bonfire or saucy soiree which calls for dancing barefoot through an elegant hotel ballroom.

‘Tis truly a shame that a creation capable of ingratiating itself into any and all situations that one may find themselves encountering during the course of their smoldering summer vacation, should be somewhat overpriced. For at $68.00, the ‘Kaleidoscope’ Strapless Terry romper is quite a bit out of the budget range for the average Joe (or rather, the average Jane). Forever 21’s Basic Tube Top Romper, on the other hand, is perfectly priced for the frugal fashionista.

Yes my loves, I realize that the Basic Tube Top Romper lacks the drawstring waist and scalloped edging of its high-priced bestie; but at $8.80, it’s a cheery compromise to the Becca beauty that will brighten up your wardrobe in no time flat!

Which role have you decided to undertake on this terrific Tuesday, kittens? Tightwad or spendthrift?

4.11.2010

“Give me books, fruit, French wine and fine weather and a little music out of doors, played by someone I do not know. I admire lolling on a lawn by a water-lilied pond to eat white currants and see goldfish: and go to the fair in the evening if I'm good. There is not hope for that – one is sure to get into some mess before evening.”John Keats

What if…you were invited to a picnic in the park at this very moment?

I imagine I would slip into Parker’s Cami Romper; spread a luxurious blanket out on the dew-drenched grass; set Belle & Sebastian’s Piazza, New York Catcher to repeat on my iPod so as to serve as the day’s theme song; plop down on my stomach, and loll the afternoon away – my LOFT Cross Strap Wedge-clad feet waving carelessly to and fro in the air, my nose buried deep within the pages of Yvonne Prinz’s Vinyl Princess. Reading breaks, of course, would be taken; but only to bite into juicy pieces of ruby red watermelon!

How would your perfect picnic in the park play out, my loves? What would you wear? What would you listen to? What would you read? Do tell dolls!

4.10.2010

♥Storybook Style Darlings, by now you’ve probably surmised this yourself given my incessant chitchat about fairytales and the like; but just in case you’re not too swift on the uptake (though, in all honesty, we both know that you are), I see no harm in telling it to you straight…I am a bookworm! I could spend hours prancing up and down the aisles of Barnes & Noble poking my nose into anything and everything that catches my eye; days have been spent getting lost within the towering stacks of classics harbored within the musty old walls of libraries; and, when my nose isn’t buried within the crisp pages of a book, I quite like to tell a story with my ensemble. And that is precisely what Library: Archives of Fashion allows one to do!

The brainchild of Charleston’s Lauren Lail; Library is a Vintage Shop that one can peruse from the comforts of their own home while swathed in polka-dotted print pajamas, which intermingles the likes of designers whose names will forever be on the tip of the fashionista’s tongue – such as Lanvin, Chanel, and Diane von Furstenberg – with virtual unknowns. It’s a chic conglomeration that allows the consumer to weave a tale of wonderment with their newly-acquired wardrobe. Currently I’m lusting over the pretty purple Lanvin shades, the mod-inspired Candy Clutch, and the Elephant Scarf, which I just know will serve as a good luck charm come summertime. Tell me kitty cats…are you ready to browse?

♥The Dainty Diary As fashionable femme fatales, it is not only our wardrobes that we must be concerned about, my loves; we must forever remember to take the design of our accessories into consideration, as well – and that includes notebooks! We do not want to find ourselves styled in a pleasing pink, only to have a blotter in an unpleasant, brooding shade ruin the enchanting effect. We want something just as dainty and demure as we are; Paperwink offers just the thing.

Like the title indicates, Paperwink is stocked with charming notebooks, many of which are perfectly sized so that they can slip effortlessly into your handbag at a moment’s notice; but Paperwink’s true piece de resistance lies within the pretty pastel hues, and captivating vintage signs and labels that you can have personalized to your liking. Presently I find myself smitten with the Frames collection, which includes a trio of tablets in the color collection of your choice – Gelato, Sherbert, or Snow Cone. Which Paperwink pretty has caught your eye, dolls?

♥Your Name Here It was not so long ago that I was swooning over Carrie Bradshaw’s sassy nameplate necklace, and Lauren Conrad’s marvelous moniker spelled out in script across her knuckles via a sparkly double-finger ring. In fact, I am still plagued by days where I covet one of each – with my own name spelled out, mind you. But I digress; like many of you dolls, I am a geek at heart. A nerdy computer lover with a penchant for launching into technological speak at the drop of a hat. Therefore, it seems completely natural for me to find myself desiring a custom-made pretty from Survival of the Hippest.

Gone are the baubles proclaiming the nicknames we were christened with by our gal pals; no more are the glittering gems emblazoned with our chosen titles, or birth names clasped around our swanlike necks. Rather, in their place, sitting front and center for the world to see is…the names we are best known for on Twitter, of all places! Survival of the Hippest takes the haute handle you use Online, and transforms it into ambrosial accessories in 10 or 14K-Gold, or Sterling Silver. Obviously I’ll be styled in a 14K-Gold design with the words Café Fashionista dangling daintily from the petite chain. What will your Survival of the Hippest symbol say, darlings?

4.09.2010

Hair is a forever accessory. It does not merely up and leave you at the drop of a hat like a finicky kitty off to chase a toy mouse skittering across the kitchen floor; nor does it come and go like a fair-weather friend who has a penchant for popping up to borrow clothes than disappearing from your life until her next style dilemma. Rather, it remains with you through thick and thin; successfully seeing you through blind dates, family reunions, and a bevy of other scenarios all of which require a fabulous ‘do. One that looks as if it were crafted at the hands of a professional flat iron; when, in all actuality, your chic coiffure was constructed in the confines of your very own bedroom with the assistance of a Chi flat iron or FHI flat iron – two of the best flat irons on the market. And now one (1) of you well-coiffed kittens has the chance to take one of your very own home!

Café Fashionista has teamed up with Misikko to bring one (1) lucky reader a Hana Elite Flat Iron in the special edition pink shade (because everything’s better in pink!) – a hair care essential that will keep your luscious locks looking luxurious and lustrous…almost as if you’ve just stepped out of an overpriced salon, in fact!

To Enter The Secret is in the Hair Giveaway:

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, April 15, 2010 at midnight PST.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, April 15, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect/Twitter, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, April 15, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Friday, April 16, 2010.

4.08.2010

Back in November of 2009 I was contacted by a fellow blogger, requesting that I be a part of their coffee guest post series. The result was my ode to New York City coffee shops entitled Sipping in the City. While expected to be a one-time venture, I enjoyed the process of putting a post together on such a topic so much, that I created the Cruisin’ Cafes series right here on Café Fashionista. While no longer an active weekly feature, the memory of Cruisin’ Cafes will forever live on; especially since one of the pieces written for said column, was recently published in the April 2010 issue of US Airways Magazine.

The holiday festivities had only just ended, when I received an e-mail from Melissa Byrd, the Senior Editor of US Airways, requesting if she could publish Crusin’ Cafes: Paris France, my tribute to tres chic cafes located in the city of light; of course, I accepted (after approximately 25 minutes of jumping up and down screaming “I’m dying!” at the top of my lungs, mind you).

US Airways is full of articles written by the hands of novelists, doctors, lawyers, World Record Holders, and the like; so being in such good, creative company was a thrill in itself. But seeing the final piece in all of its published glory has left me beaming from ear to ear. As US Airways Magazine is exclusive to those flying upon US Airways, I am scanning the piece on here (click the images to enlarge them!); but who knows, perhaps one day you will be aboard a flight, and you’ll see a copy nestled in the seat pocket right in front of you – and if you do, pick it up and give it a browse, for it is chockfull of fabulous pieces that span everything from books to business, travel to history, and everything in between!

Fashionably yours!

Thanks to US Airways for the magazine scans, and Tiffany Sorocco (my sister) for the picture of me in the sunnies.

4.07.2010

♥… cast thoughts of bad hair days to the wayside, and allow your luscious locks to fly freely in the cool breeze? Take heed of Kahlil Gibran’s words, dolls; “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”

♥…slip into the Shoshanna Daisy Garden Bikini you’ve been harboring in your dresser drawer and run through the sprinklers in your front yard?

♥…be Barbie? Darlings, Barbie is a gorgeous individual who can be anything she desires; therefore, emulate her. Allocate the use of dramatic fake lashes; slick on Lime Crime’s Countess Fluorescent Opaque Lipstick for that perfect pink pout; and wing your liner in a way that would make the Blonde Bombshell herself proud! Don’t forget the black pumps; I believe Louboutins are in order.

♥…put on your Elizabeth and James Juliet Dress, take the hand of a cute boy, and spend the day at the fair? Fluffy pink cotton candy for dinner and multiple rides on the carousel are, of course, a necessity!

4.06.2010

Please don’t take this the wrong way, dolls; it is not as if I have some sort of resentment towards denim – quite the opposite in fact. I am one of denim’s biggest advocates; falling in love with it in a multitude of formations – from rompers to minis, and everything in-between. Nevertheless, there are times in a girl’s life when denim just doesn’t cut it for a given occasion. Moments when we long for a subtle splash of sophistication that is cool and comfortable, yet embodies a pinch of posh which gives us a gussied-up glow in the most unfussy of fashions; and there is just one way to achieve this, kitty cats…via tailored shorts!

Say it with me now, my loves…tailored shorts are to the trouser family what Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dresses are to the world of frilly frocks – a universally flattering design which give the wearer the opportunity to show off her gorgeous gams; whilst maintaining her chic, hoity-toity demeanor. But not any pair will do. A girl wants a piece that can make the transition from the boardwalk to the boardroom with effortless ease; Kate Spade’s Sara Bay Piper Shorts are capable of just this.

Highlighting a unique aesthetic described as a paper bag cut; the Sara Bay Piper Shorts are constructed out of a mix of silk and cotton in a shade aptly titled quicksand, and display a pleated detail and tie waist to give the wearer the vintage, Mad Men-inspired silhouette we all know and love. Yet despite the polished personality evident in each and every minute embellishment; the Sara Bay Piper Shorts are just as sprightly as they are swank, only serving to make them more covetable.

But I digress; darlings, it seems as if the term covetable is a code word of sorts for being completely out of one’s league – budget-wise, that is. And the svelte Sara, unfortunately, is. At $195.00 a pair, the saucy flap side pockets and signature Kate Spade corozo buttons are not characteristics that will soon be entering my budget-conscious closet. Sara’s less expensive look-alikes, however, are already on their way!

While crafted out of linen as opposed to a silk and cotton blend, at $34.50, Victoria’s Secret’s Beach Linen Belted Shorts are just as blissful as the Kate Spade creation their architecture mirrors; and come in a trio of tantalizing shades that will make your summer sizzle. The question is which to get…sandcastle, spicy red, or chocolate. Perhaps a teeny tiny splurge on all three is in order!

Are you having a tightwad moment darlings, or are you plagued with a craving to splurge?